The Osagyefo Youth Movement (OYM) Unification has officially nominated Mr. Kofi Koranteng from the New Vision party as its chosen candidate for the 2024 general elections in Ghana. The decision to select Koranteng arose from difficulties encountered in uniting various smaller political parties, which were initially approached to form a robust alternative political force aimed at breaking the longstanding dominance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ghanaian political arena. During a press briefing, OYM President Kojo Gyesi Nimako explained that their goal was to merge different smaller parties, including the Movement for Change (M4C), New Force Movement, Ghana Union Movement (GUM), All People’s Party, Convention People’s Party, and the People’s National Convention. However, despite their enthusiasm and commitment to this unification, these parties did not ultimately join the coalition.
Nimako expressed his disappointment regarding the lack of collaboration from other smaller parties, as it indicated their focus was more on political gain during the electoral period than on forming a sustainable third political force. He specifically called upon candidates who had been disqualified by the Electoral Commission to consider joining the OYM Unification Movement. He emphasized that the failure of parties like GUM, Cheddar, and M4C to collaborate with OYM was detrimental to the effort to create a viable alternative to the entrenched two-party system currently dominating the Ghanaian political landscape.
Mr. Kofi Koranteng, the new flag bearer for the movement, shared his thoughts on the importance of unity and sacrifice in the political sphere. He highlighted that the agenda of the OYM Unification was not only about political ambitions but about prioritizing the liberation of Ghana from the NPP and NDC’s grip on power. Koranteng noted that many individuals within the political realm tend to believe that only they have the best solutions for the country, which often leads to a lack of collaboration. He urged political stakeholders to willingly set aside personal ambitions and resources for the greater goal of national development.
Koranteng further emphasized the significance of collective unity, stressing that true progress in Ghana could only be achieved when individuals are ready to suppress their personal interests for the welfare of the nation. He expressed an unwavering commitment to continuing his work within the unification movement, regardless of who would lead or emerge as the subsequent leader. His dedication highlights a desire not to only participate passively but to actively engage in a transformative political process that stresses collective welfare over individual gain.
In addition, Koranteng extended an invitation to all remaining parties to unite and work together toward creating a more robust political front that can challenge the status quo of the political system in Ghana. He remained hopeful that, despite the current fragmentation, there would be a collaborative spirit amongst the parties as they seek the betterment of the nation, thus reinforcing the ethos of unity and sacrifice that the movement stands for. The focus on coalition politics reflects an evolving political landscape where new alliances are crucial for meaningful change.
Ultimately, the OYM Unification’s legacy will depend on its members’ ability to prioritize the interests of Ghana over individual agendas. Koranteng’s leadership aims to establish a political culture that values cooperation and focuses on collective problem-solving. The vision set forth by the OYM Unification underscores not just the immediate goal of the 2024 elections, but also the broader ambition of nurturing a political environment where diverse voices can come together to effect real change, moving beyond the limitations imposed by the entrenched two-party system that has long characterized Ghanaian politics.
